New Training Courses to Tackle Food Teacher Shortage: Leiths Education and University of Roehampton Announce National Qualifications

Published 9th October 2024

Leiths Education has teamed up with the University of Roehampton to introduce two new national qualifications designed to address the growing shortage of food technology teachers in schools. These qualifications aim to fast-track the recruitment and training of food teachers, responding to an urgent need in the education sector.

The number of food technology teachers has steadily declined, with only 3,745 teachers recorded for the 2022-23 academic year—a 4% drop from the previous year and part of a concerning decade-long trend.^[1] In March 2024, over 170 Food Technology teaching vacancies were listed on TES, highlighting the demand this new initiative seeks to address.

“This collaboration comes at a critical moment for food education,” said Maria Dunbar, Director of Education at Leiths “By combining Leiths’ culinary and food teaching expertise with Roehampton’s established leadership in teacher training, we are providing new educators with the skills necessary to deliver engaging and accessible food education to students.”

Launching in September 2025, the new PGCE in Food and Nutrition is tailored for degree holders looking to attain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and specialise in food and nutrition. In addition, the Level 7 Advanced Certificate, available from September 2024, offers a fast-track option for individuals with relevant qualifications or experience, allowing them to gain specialist skills without immediately needing QTS. Both courses feature a blend of practical and theoretical learning through a combination of online and in-person sessions.

 “We’re excited to partner with Leiths Education on this initiative,” said Peter Flew, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the School of Education: “Food education plays a crucial role in building life skills and promoting health among young people. These qualifications will help ensure that schools have access to well-trained, passionate food teachers, addressing a significant gap in the sector.”

Louise Davies, founder of the Food Teachers Centre:

“Our #TeachFood campaign has highlighted the need for more flexible routes for non-specialist teachers and a direct route for Food and Nutrition teachers, who do not want to teach Design and Technology, to become qualified. This programme supports our campaign enormously.”